FC Barcelona Starting XI Prediction vs Liverpool (UCL Semifinals)

FC Barcelona will welcome Liverpool to Catalonia in mid-week for the first leg of their UCL semifinal tie in what promises to be a truly electric night at the Camp Nou. Barca are big favorites, but they know the challenge ahead of them in facing the runner-up from last year’s competition.

The Catalan club has a special plan as to how they will attack the Reds, and it seems the word is out on that. According to ESPN, Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde will emulate the approach of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who achieved a win and a draw in his two meetings with Liverpool this season.

Last season, the Reds got the best of City, beating them in domestic competition (in what was definitely the most entertaining game of the Premier League season), and knocking them out of the UEFA Champions League competition. Guardiola has since made adjustments this season and the Barca boss reportedly believes the key to success will be making a tactical adjustment to try and overcome Liverpool’s pressing.

“They want to make you uncomfortable and, if possible, they want to rob the ball back. Our intention is to play as we always do. We want to get the ball at the back and play through their press. But we haven’t ruled out going long if we have to.”

We shall see Wednesday night if this is the tactic, or if it’s just a smokescreen planted in the media.

Either way, here is the first team prognostication we’re making for the Spanish champions in this one.